Nicosia: High concentrations of dust were observed in the air on Monday, according to measurements from ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network operated by the Department of Labour Inspection. The public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, older people, and the infirm, are urged to avoid open spaces until the dust episode subsides, as the small size of respirable particles can negatively affect human health.
According to Cyprus News Agency, employers are required to take appropriate measures, either organizational or technical, to assess and mitigate any risks that employees may face while working in open spaces. It is recommended that workers in such environments use suitable personal protection.
As of 07:00 am, the latest hourly dust concentrations were recorded as follows: Nicosia at 38.5 µg/m3, Limassol at 102.0 µg/m3, Larnaca at 85.5 µg/m3, Paralimni at 76.2 µg/m3, Paphos at 110.3 µg/m3, Zygi at 82.1 µg/m3, and Ayia Marina Xyliatou at 124.3 µg/m3. 'Dust' refers to respirable particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 10 µm (PM10) in the air. The relevant legislation sets a daily average concentration limit of 50 µg/m3, which should not be exceeded.